Author: Ayushi Doegar
Published: February 9, 2024
Updated on: Nov 27, 2025
An investor visa in Dubai, UAE, also known as a business visa, is a type of visa that allows foreign investors to reside in the country for the purpose of establishing or owning a business. The UAE offers several investor visa options to attract foreign investment and promote economic growth.
UAE investor visa provides numerous benefits to individuals interested in investing and residing in the country. Some of the key benefits of the UAE investor visa are:
The UAE is known for its dynamic and thriving business environment, with a robust economy and valuable investment opportunities. Holding an investor visa allows individuals to explore and engage in various business ventures, partnerships, and investment activities in the country.
The investor visa grants long-term residency in the UAE and allows investors and their families to live, work, and study in the country for extended periods of time, which provides stability and security for investors and their dependents.
The UAE has a favourable tax regime, with no personal income tax, and a low-rate corporate tax applicable from June 2023. Investors can benefit from this business-friendly environment, retaining more of their income and profits.
The UAE is a gateway to the wider Middle East region and offers significant market potential. UAE investor visa allows individuals to set up and expand their business networks, access regional markets, and benefit from the strategic location of the UAE.
Investor visa holders can sponsor their family members for dependent visas, the thing that unites families together and provides access to all the healthcare and education benefits the country provides.
The UAE boasts a high standard of living and ultra-modern infrastructure, including state-of-the-art architectural edifices, advanced transportation systems, world-class healthcare facilities, and top-notch educational institutions.
The UAE is known for its stable community and low crime rates. Investors and their families can enjoy a safe environment and a high quality of life.
The UAE offers retirement visas for investors aged 55 and above, to enjoy their retirement years in the country.
Although they're commonly used interchangeably, and very close in terms of legality and benefits, an investor visa and a partner visa are two different types of visas that serve distinct purposes.
An investor visa is issued to individuals who establish a sole proprietorship company in the UAE, which has one owner with no partners or shareholders.
On the other hand, a partner visa is issued to business owners who establish a company in Dubai in UAE and other places in the UAE with more than one owner, partner, or shareholder.
Any individual above 18 years of age who is eligible to set up a company in Dubai and anywhere in the UAE can obtain an investor visa. The validity of the investor visa in Dubai and the UAE depends on the category of the visa, and they are:
At the end of the visa validity period, you have to renew your visa residency and go through all the necessary medical tests and Emirate ID card procedures. Reach out to a professional service provider, like SPC Free Zone, to help you with the process of renewing your visa and Emirates ID card with all ease and simplicity.
To apply for the Dubai, UAE investor visa, you must either have an investment in the UAE or form a new company in the country. If you already own a company in the UAE, you need to submit proof of your investment. The documents required include:
If you are establishing a new company and want to get an investor visa in Dubai, UAE, then you need to go through the following steps:
Determine the appropriate legal structure for your company, such as a limited liability company (LLC), free zone establishment (FZE), or branch office.
Proceed with registering your business with the relevant authority in the UAE. Depending on your business activity, the process may involve obtaining necessary licenses, permits, and approvals from the local authorities.
Once your business is registered, you can begin the visa application process, which involves several steps:
Submit the Required Documents: Submit the necessary documentation such as your passport, business license, lease agreement, business plan, bank statements, and other documents.
Submit the Application: Fill in the visa application form and submit it along with the required documents to the appropriate immigration authority in the emirate where you plan to establish your business.
Pay the Fees: Pay the applicable visa fees which vary depending on the way of applying and the type of visa you are applying for.
Medical Examination and Biometrics: You are required to undergo a medical examination and provide biometric data as part of the visa application process.
Apply for Your Emirates ID Card: Your Emirates ID card is an essential document that carries all your biometric information and allows you to access governmental services, open a bank account, and sign contracts.
Receive Your Visa: If your application is approved, you will receive your investor visa. Make sure to adhere to the visa validity period and either renew or cancel the visa once expired.
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